SEAT EXEO test drive since 2008 sedan

Seat EXEO. Somewhere I saw you

Seat EXEO. Price: Not defined. On sale: from the second half of 2009.
In the summer of 2009, a unique SEAT EXEO car can be observed on Russian roads. It looks ordinary, he is an alien from the past. Speaking in the earthly language, the new SEAT is an updated Audi A4 of the previous generation. What has changed in the model, allowed to understand the first European test drive

Test pilot
Maxim Egorov, 23 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience of 5 years, personal car - Mitsubishi Lancer
We are all used to the fact that traffic police officers stop suspicious cars. Recently, a striped stick, as if a pointing finger, stopped my car. Instead of introducing himself and calling the reason for the stop, the inspector squinted and uttered a strange phrase: somewhere I saw you. And then, without remembering, he let go on all four sides.
This story surfaced in memory on the SEAT EXEO test drive in Spain. The appearance of the debutant seemed painfully familiar. Yes, EXEO is a completely new car, but only for the Spanish company, in the line of which there is still no D-class model. For the rest, the novelty is nothing more than a copy of the previous Audi A4.
Seat is not the most successful unit of the Volkswagen concern. However, the business plan accepted two years ago allowed not only to stay afloat, but also to finish last year with a profit of 44 million euros. The key to success is that the Seat is not trying to invent a super -chip bicycle. The company has recently been betting on the experience and help of colleagues in the concern. And the truth is, what is good to disappear if this is a coat for another hundred years!
A distinctive feature of Seat is that even unified cars are designed in the same style, have a common design. This also includes the slanting headlights of the head optics and the classic black grille of the radiator.
Otherwise, the appearance of both the exterior and the interior fully corresponds to the Audi A4. For the production of the old new car, the entire production line was transported from Ingolstadt to the Spanish Martres from Ingolstadt. They did not change the suppliers of components.
In the salon, the inappropriate emblem of Seat is striking in the eye. Everything else is familiar, starting with steering wheel switches and ending with the radio control buttons. Two tall persons will be comfortable in front, but the rear passengers will have to squeeze: there are clearly not enough space in the legs. But the trunk has a good capacity. Having looked at the exeo outside and inside, it is difficult to understand where those 30-40% of alterations in the Audi A4 donor, which the Spanish engineers promised. A slightly altered exterior pulls a maximum of 20%. Everything is identical in the cabin.
The rest of the alterations are hidden from the eyes. In addition to six airbags included in the basic package, another driver’s legs were added. All seats are equipped with a quick fixation system for ISOFIX children's seats. Seat engineers were worried about the safety of not only passengers, but also pedestrians. The bumper and hood are made as energy -intensive as possible, which reduces possible injuries when hitting passers -by.
The engines remained the same, with the exception of diesel engines where the fuel supply system has changed. But we will not see diesel engines soon, the first we will have a version with a 1.8 liter gasoline turbo engine. From the transmission, one also does not have to choose, there is only a 6 -speed mechanics. The manual box pleases with short moves and clear inclusions. As for the dynamics, gasoline units are clearly won by diesel. The diesel engines are documented by a decent turbojah at low speeds. Up to 2500 min-1, they are spinning very reluctantly and are distinguished by unpleasant vibration on the governing bodies. Gasoline engines are much quieter and better pull in the entire range of working revolutions. Therefore, in this case, the savings are inferior to the place of comfort.
But what you can choose from is from two pendants. Sports differs from comfortable smaller rolls and lack of buildup.
Seat found a good option for entering the D-class. Whatever you say, A4 is a reliable and proven fighter. But much will depend on the price. Say, in Europe, EXEO with a 1.6 liter engine is sold for 21 thousand euros. How much a debutant veteran in our market will cost is still unknown. In a crisis, you should be more modest. And the company's plans can be called global. The station wagon is already shown. He should appear in Europe in the second half of this year. There is a chance that there will be a full -wheel drive version. The diversity is pleasing, since the Seat EXEO, as now, will probably last longer than planned by the company.

Soon
Soon, after entering the market, the SEAT EXEO should see the light and the EXEO station wagon. The abbreviation of the station wagon is ambiguous ST. When this is immediately pronounced by Seat EXEO ST, many people think that we are talking about a sports version. But this is just another body shape. The station wagon was already shown to the general public at the Geneva Motor Show, and official photographs appeared long before the premiere. The station wagon will be absolutely identical to the sedan. Under the hood, all the same engines are three gasoline and two diesel. The transmission is still mechanical, although perhaps the machine will appear in the second half of the year.
We do not love
There are many different compartments for small things in Seat EXEO, and under the front seats comfortable secret boxes. Conveniently
Luke is not only beauty, but also benefit. It has a built -in solar battery, which nourishes on -board communications. Healthy
 
Driving
The best combination will be a gasoline engine with a sports suspension.
Salon
Convenient, without any delights. I would like finishing materials of better quality.
Comfort
The cabin is classic, not so much in time as on the layout. Behind everything is just as crowded.
Security
Seat EXEO is equipped with a maximum. The database has seven airbags and stabilization systems.
Price
Even with a rich basic configuration, an old car with a new appearance will be difficult in the market.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ A new appearance, a balanced suspension, a narrow opening of the luggage compartment.
- Close salon, high price, weak sound insulation.
Specifications
Mark and model - Seat EXEO
Dimensions - 4661x1772x1430 mm
The engine is gasoline, 1781 cm3, 150 liters. S./5700 min--1
Transmission - mechanical, 6 -speed
Dynamics - Max 217 km/h; 9.3 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat

Our opinion
Start the production of a once -popular car, a bold step, but not devoid of meaning. Seat EXEO is a quality car with a good set of options and good technical characteristics. But in this case, more than ever the price of the price arises. Still, the car belongs to the previous generation. So you can compete with more new models in only one way.

Author: Maxim Egorov
 
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2009]